Brazil’s analog basket trend helps digital detox

Many people end their day with a familiar routine: work, commute, chores, dinner, and then rest. This rest often involves sitting on a couch, watching a new TV show, and scrolling through short videos on a phone. These activities distract the mind and push aside daily worries.

This type of rest feels relaxing, but it often leaves a person feeling groggy the next morning. The evening of scrolling did not provide real relaxation. Instead, it distracted and numbed the mind. The author of a recent article argues that this kind of rest is less effective than engaging in a challenging activity.

The author notes that the dangers of “doomscrolling” are well known. However, after a long workday, activities like reading a novel or taking a walk can seem unrealistic. The author admits to enjoying the distraction of phone videos and social media, but also recognizes the negative feeling of spending too many evenings online. Previous attempts at digital detox, such as setting screen time limits, did not work.

The author realized the problem was not laziness, but a lack of easy alternatives. After a tiring day, making decisions about what to do for fun was too difficult. The phone and TV remote were simply the easiest options.

To solve this, the author created an “analog basket.” This was a large basket filled with items for screen-free evenings. The basket contained headphones, adult coloring books, several types of novels, art supplies like colored pencils and watercolors, notebooks for journaling, tarot cards, old magazines, jigsaw puzzles, and a commonplace book for collecting recipes and quotes.

The basket was placed in a visible spot next to the nightstand. The author found that this method worked. Initially, it was difficult. Journaling caused hand cramps, and the author was unhappy with their drawing skills. Over time, the author stopped caring about the quality of the creations. The satisfaction came from creating something, rather than creating nothing.

Eventually, reaching for the analog basket became an automatic habit, just like picking up a phone had been before. The author suggests that providing an easy, accessible alternative to screens can help people unplug and find more meaningful rest.